Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: once the capitol of the United States of America, the founder of the cheese steak, and the home of our country’s independence. Some call it The City of Brotherly Love, but I like to call it home. The natives of Philly see the close up of the city (bums on the street corners, trash thrown everywhere, and too many tourists). The tourists see the city in a much different way. They see the history and vast land of street lights and skyscrapers. Through all native eyes there is beauty and filth.
One mention of the city and people envision the scene from Rocky Balboa as he runs up the Art Museum steps in victory. They too dream of this victory that Philly brings. They see Love Park, the worldwide icon of brotherly love. In a place where crime is seen daily and violence is nothing new, there stands a statue of love. It is not “Always Sunny in Philadelphia” in the literal sense, but the city shines with the street lights of South Street. When little children around the world fall sleep, South Street comes to life. With stores like Condom Kingdom and magnificent restaurants, no one can resist the sinful temptation of Philly’s most notable street.
Philadelphia is known for its overzealous sports fans and their big egos. One can only learn to appreciate their “phaith” and “phight” after they walk in their shoes through Citizens Bank Park. One can always expect a game to be playing in this city. Even if you are not a phan, the pride these people have in their city causes one to feel the phever. The streets of Cottman and Frankford Avenues look like the average Philadelphia intersection with bustling cars and road raged honking drivers on your average day. But if there is a win (no matter what Philly sports team), you can expect the streets of Frankford and Cottman to be packed with screaming supporters. Usually at this time the night sky is dark and the only source of light comes from the street lights. Everyone in the whole city (even a few South Jersey folks who wish they lived on the other side of the Delaware River) comes together in sheer bliss for their home team. For one night, everyone loves everyone else in Philadelphia and there is no news of harm or violence. For one night, the city is at peace. Nowhere else can you find this freedom, this “Philadelphia Freedom” that takes over you from the inside.
Speaking of the inside, Philly sure knows how to satisfy your stomach. The hardest question is not what to eat, but where? Geno’s or Pat’s? It doesn’t matter if you’re a local or a visitor. It doesn’t matter if it’s a hot summer’s day or a cold winter’s night, for there will always be a line for a real Philly cheese steak and you will never be disappointed. If you’re not in the mood for a cheese steak, you can have your pick of crab from Chickie’s and Pete’s on Robbins Avenue or a Philly soft pretzel. Only a true Philadelphian knows that here, we have “wooder” not water and it is called a hoagie, not a sub. The smell of the divine food always travels through the air and into the streets. In Philadelphia, you put two condiments on every meal, cheese and grease.
As you step foot onto Arch and Chestnut Streets you feel the patriotism of Philadelphia. The home of the American Flag and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The American figures involved in these monumental events are long gone, but on these streets they live on forever. Betsy Ross sits on her rocking chair outside of her house and sews the flag every day. John Hancock stands in Independence Hall ready to write his signature into history. Benjamin Franklin still greats every visitor from the top of the capital building. He is no longer the highest point of the city thanks to the Comcast Building and many others, but all eyes still fall upon him. People travel far and wide to set their sights on a bell with a crack on the side of it that misspells Pennsylvania. Years ago, the Liberty Bell hung from the tower of Independence Hall and rang to declare our country’s independence from England. It no longer hangs is the tower or rings to let the nation know of our independence. It may no longer ring, but just the sight of it sitting in The Liberty Bell Center makes one proud to be from Philadelphia, an original.
No comments:
Post a Comment